Washington eased into Thursday (June 4) with a cool, crisp start around 63°F at Reagan National Airport, but it will not stay that way for long. Under plenty of sunshine, temperatures are set to surge into the upper 80s this afternoon. A steady warming trend rolls right into the weekend, with highs climbing into the low to mid 90s Friday and Saturday. Conditions stay dry for now, but rain and thunderstorm chances creep back in late Saturday night into Sunday.
Today Through Saturday
Thursday brings wall-to-wall sun and light northwest breezes, delivering a very summerlike high near 89°F and a cooler overnight low around 60°F. Friday and Saturday are the real sizzlers, with highs near 93°F Friday and around 94°F Saturday as humidity slowly ticks up. Winds remain generally light, but the midday heat will make outdoor work a slog, so it is smarter to tackle the heavy lifting in the morning or later in the evening.
Storm Chances Return Sunday
A frontal system sliding in brings about a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms late Saturday night into Sunday, with the highest odds early Sunday morning and again during the afternoon. Timing and coverage are still a bit fuzzy, so storms could be quick, scattered pop-ups or deliver locally heavy rain and gusty winds. By Monday, temperatures should slip back into the low 80s as a cooler pattern settles in.
Beat The Heat
If temperatures spike into the mid 90s, the District can open cooling centers for residents who need a break from the heat; locations and details are outlined in the District Heat Plan. In the meantime, drink extra water, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, and check on elderly or otherwise vulnerable neighbors during peak afternoon heat.
Transit And Commute
No widespread heat-related service adjustments have been announced yet, but brief delays are possible if storms fire up on Sunday, especially around the usual busy travel times. Commuters should budget a little extra time just in case. For up-to-the-minute information on service changes and advisories, check WMATA alerts before heading out. Keeping an umbrella handy for Sunday is not a bad idea if storms decide to crash the afternoon commute.
Bottom Line
Soak up Thursday’s sunshine, but plan ahead for hotter conditions Friday and Saturday and be ready for scattered storms on Sunday. This forecast will be updated if the thunderstorm risk shifts or if the city changes its heat-relief measures.
